They may now find themselves three points clear at the top of the table, but unless Manchester United sort out their defence sharpish, they will struggle to regain the title from their noisy City neighbours.

A bizarre first-half at the Madejski on Saturday saw both side produce some diabolical defending, with Sir Alex Ferguson even hauling off the dire Rafael after just 31 minutes.

Hal Robson-Kanu gave the home side the lead before strikes from Anderson and Wayne Rooney (via the penalty spot) put the visitors ahead. However, Adam Le Fondre and then Sean Morrison put the Royals back in front before Rooney and then Robin Van Persie made it 4-3 before the break. And so it stayed for the rest of the game.

Van Persie and United should have had another goal before the half-time, only for the officials to miss his effort which clearly crossed the line. What a goal-heavy, error-strewn palavar!

Reading staying second from bottom while the Red Devils continue to enjoy top spot in the table. Although how they need Nemanja Vidic back fit.

Photos…

Highlights…

Photos: PA

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2Comments

United is never good enough for Pies. We can win 7-0 with 97% possession and you’re still going to write “Oh, United beat them 6-0 but they must improve if they really want to win the title”. Remember that last year City won the premier league on goals difference and only because United was very, very, VERY poor on the final stages. It was not really because City was such a great team. Also, we’re without Vidic and for some time Carrick/Valecia played in defence and we’ve still managed the get 3 points. Please tell me one team in the world that has the ability to turn around a game like Man United.

@Jeff – I don’t think this performance is worthy of a praise to be honest. You really think with this defence, United can pose a serious title threat and get far in Europe? These are the dark times.
Think back at the last time we steam-rolled the opposition.
You can say 8-2 against Arsenal, but that was the weakest Arsenal squad we ever faced and still, we weren’t even that convincing. We still managed to concede 2 goals.
For a dominating United performance, you’d have to look 3-4 years back.
Something’s gotta improve